Haute Residence hosted a real estate webinar with a panel of Christie's International Real Estate top Caribbean Affiliates to talk about the latest on the real estate industry in their respective markets and the benefits of investing in the Caribbean market.
The panelists were hosted by Haute Living's Erik Haase in the engaging dialogue. They were:
- Robert Greenwood, Partner, Regency International Estates, Turks and Caicos
- John Christie, Partner, HG Christie, Bahamas
- Justin White, Director of Sales, Anchor Antigua Realty, Antigua
- Craig Ryan, Principal, Anchor Antigua Realty, Antigua
Watch the webinar below.
Highlight quotes:
Robert Greenwood: "In Turks and Caicos, we just had a look at the second quarter numbers and we've held well over the preceding couple of years. In some sectors, especially our villa sector, we actually increased sales last year, so I think that's a real indicator that people are looking for COVID safe haven properties throughout the entire region... We see the growth because people are looking for a safe haven. And if you're going to quarantine, you might just as well quarantine in paradise... [Buyers] feel comfortable because they know the Christie's brand, the trust and the integrity that comes with it, and they're happy to say, 'Okay, let's do the deal.'"
John Christie: "There are different kinds of buyers and visitors in the Bahamas. If you're someone from New York and you're used to action being around, Nassau is the place for you, with large hotels, casinos, nightclubs, and all the main luxury communities. With COVID, we have seen a spike in interest in private islands, because there's no better place to have than your own private island if you want to control your destiny and a place to lock down. That's been one of our strengths. If you're a beginner buyer or someone that has a couple of extra dollars, you can get lots as low as $20,000."
Justin White: "Antigua is a unique place. We have zero capital gains tax, zero inheritance tax, and zero income tax. That's the benefit there and itself. We have opportunities in almost every single angle, especially with regards to real estate... We have boutique hotels, luxury resorts, luxury villas, and tons of empty primetime land right on the ocean with a citizenship aspect, whereby you can gain citizenship to this country if you meet certain prerequisites... Being Antiguan isn't just for Antiguans. If you're willing to come here and adopt the culture and invest with us, we are happy to put our arm around your shoulder and say you're one of us."
Craig Ryan: "We have seen a big uptick in our luxury rental market. There's nothing easier than for your family to come down and get a five-bedroom villa on the beach, and you have your week to be by yourself... We opened up our borders June 1st, and from there, we've had full planes from America because there's a huge demand. People are ready to finally get out and enjoy life... If I have a client that doesn't find a product that works in Antigua, I'm calling up John and Robert. That's the level of family we have between the affiliates where it's not a cold introduction email. We have support between the islands and the Christie's network overall."
Top: Robert Greenwood, John Christie. Bottom: Justin White, Craig Ryan
